Issue 23

FastBale non-stop baling and wrapping

p4 - the 2016 Bale Challengep6 - iXdrive self-propelled sprayerp9 - new fixed chamber balersp12 - 40 years of three-bladed discs

The wrapper’s folded position is used for transport, creating a short outfit that measures just 5.6m in length.

FastBale combines a logical sequence of processes, with electronics handling the automated process. Manual over-ride is available, so the operator can for example, hold the bale on the wrapper using the in-cab iM Tellus control box.

FastBale is much more than a non-stop round baler - it’s a non-stop round baler wrapper. And based on a fixed chamber machine, there is nothing else like it on the market.Why a round baler/wrapper? Well, it’s easier to start with a fully integrated, flagship product than start with the basics and then add features.

Up front, FastBale takes its 2.2m pickup from the Vicon baler range, so it gets five rows of tines running in two cam tracks. A crop chopping system is included too, which can have up to 25 knives engaged.

Crop flow, a pre-chamber and a main chamber, hold the key to the FastBale’s non-stop capability.

Using a pivoting crop channel at the back of the pickup, grass can be directed either to the pre-chamber or the main chamber, without having to stop.

The pre-chamber

Baling starts here first. The pre-chamber uses 14 rollers, and four of them form the door that separates it from the main chamber. When the bale has reached two-thirds of its 1.3m total diameter, crop flow is switched to the main chamber. At the same time, the pre-chamber door opens, allowing the part-formed bale to be transferred to the main chamber.

the ultimate non-stop baling and wrapping solutionPlastic materials line the walls of the pre-chamber to make internal dimensions slightly narrower than the main chamber, easing bale movement. The main chamber sits behind and slightly below the pre-chamber, so the bale can tumble into it. And if that wasn’t enough, the pre-chamber’s lower four rollers are flicked upwards hydraulically during transfer, giving the partly-formed bale a good nudge into the main chamber.

FastBale’s main chamber uses 17 rollers and this is where the bale is completed. When the required density has been reached, crop flow reverts to the pre-chamber, allowing baling to continue uninterrupted. At this point, the bale is wrapped in net and ejected onto the wrapper - all without stopping.

A parallelogram frame forms the wrapper table and is placed low to the ground to catch the completed bale - avoiding the need for a complex bale transfer mechanism.

Once the bale is on-board, the wrapping table lifts, allowing two film arms to vertically orbit the bale.

With wrapping complete, the film arms are parked alongside the frame, before the unit lowers itself towards the ground, allowing the rear half of the wrapping table to fold up. This function has the effect of placing the wrapped bale gently on the ground.

Welcome to the latest issue of Vicontact

Stage 1

When starting a bale, crop flows from the pickup into FastBale’s pre-chamber until the bale reaches around two-thirds of its finished size.

Crop delivery switches to the main chamber. At the same time, the pre-chamber opens to transfer the partly-formed bale into the main chamber.

Bale formation continues exclusively in the main chamber, to finish the bale.

Once the bale is completed (red), crop flow is diverted back into the pre-chamber, allowing net to be applied to the completed bale.

With the bale netted (now green), the tailgate lifts allowing the bale to transfer onto the wrapping table.

While wrapping commences, the pre-chamber is almost ready to move its partly formed bale into the main chamber. It all happens without stopping.

Stage 2 Stage 3

Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6

Productivity gainsRound baling demands that the tractor and baler are stopped for around 15-18 seconds to allow net to be applied and the bale to be ejected. Over a 10-hour day, this can add up to almost 2.5 hours each day when the tractor and baler are momentarily stopped. With non-stop kit, there is no delay at all - you just keep going.That means less fatigue too, as there’s no need to bring the outfit to a stop every time you finish a bale. On-going fieldwork has yielded a spot work rate of around 100 bales/hour. So FastBale lets you make more bales, in less time.

We’ve some very exciting news in this issue, including more detail about two key flagship products - FastBale and iXdrive.

As the world’s only non-stop fixed chamber round baler/wrapper combination, FastBale represents the pinnacle of round baler engineering. And it’s taking part in the 2016 Vicon Bale Challenge, so you can see how non-stop baling and wrapping can really boost your productivity. You’ll find plenty of detail on the following three pages.

The new iXdrive self-propelled sprayer is our ultimate sprayer development too. Bristling with isobus technology, iXdrive boasts a high-comfort Vista cab, high ground clearance, variable track width and innovative suspension geometry that offers what we believe to be the best boom stability in the business.

Like us on Facebook

We’ve started our own Vicon UK Facebook page, to allow like-minded machinery operators to share their photos, videos and experiences of using Vicon equipment.

Simply visit the Facebook home page, and type Vicon UK into the search box. You’ll find us easily, just look out for the red Vicon logo. Like our page and share our posts.

And if you’ve any interesting photos or videos you’d like us to share or post, just drop us a message and we’ll spread the word.

David FurberSales Manager

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Take the Vicon Bale Challenge and compare the latest Vicon round balers to your own baler.

Hydraulic ground pressure adjustmentAn all-new mower bed suspension feature has been introduced on the Vicon Extra 300 series tractor-mounted disc mowers.

While bed suspension continues to be managed using a large spring, its tension can now be adjusted from the comfort of the cab, by using one of the tractor’s spool valves.

This latest system operates via a hydraulic ram, which moves the anchor point of the spring, and therefore adjusts the amount of pressure applied. It is a system that can be varied on-the-move, to suit changing field conditions and avoids having to leave the cab

to make mechanical suspension adjustments using a spanner.

Any adjustment of spring pressure is indicated on a scale that is easy to see from the tractor seat. And this makes it easy for the operator to respond to changes in field conditions, to protect both the mower bed and stubble height.

Correctly set ground pressure also adds significantly to better work rates and can contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption - all as a result of reduced drag.

This new bed pressure system is available on Vicon Extra 328, 332, 336 and 340 models, which span 2.8-4.0m working widths.

New grass machinery for the 2016 season

Latest Fanex tedder brings lower running costsThe Fanex 764 is a tedder that uses a revised folding mechanism that creates compact transport dimensions - typically, the Fanex 764 has a transport width under 3m and a low overall parking height of 3.45m.

This has been achieved with the help of a revised drive system - it uses HexaLink finger-

type drive couplings for the two outer rotors. As a result, the outer rotors can be folded through a greater range of movement, leading to more compact dimensions.

The Fanex 764’s revised powertrain also brings a reduction in maintenance requirements. With the exception of the PTO shaft, the tedder is maintenance-free, and the tedder’s hinge mechanisms use maintenance-free roller bearings, adding to durability.

Working width of the Fanex 764 is, as its model number suggests, 7.6m. There are six rotors across its working width, each fitted with seven tine arms per rotor.

A heavy-duty fully enclosed headstock streamlines and simplifies the design, making this tedder easy to use, while aluminium guard rails help the machine to shed weight, which in turn contributes to greater durability.

High capacity rake brings user-friendly featuresA new four-rotor rake can be found in the Vicon Andex series for the 2016 season. Called the Andex 1254, this new machine brings improved features to simplify in-field operation and high raking efficiency.

A revised control system offers pre-selected functions to simplify rake operation and

enhanced headland management makes it easier to adjust the time delay for the rear rotor lift. This makes it easier to manage forward speed and crop conditions.

Hydraulic adjustment of swath width and working width add to the rake’s versatility, and allow the operator to deliver a swath more precisely suited to the capacity of the machine that follows the rake. Where the working width can be tweaked from 10-12.5m by adjusting the position of the front rotors on their telescopic arms, the swath width can be altered by moving the working position of the rear rotors on their telescopic arms.

Such adjustment also contributes to a low overall transport height below 4m. There is no longer a need to remove tine arms to achieve a safe transport height.

For those who need to reduce the machine height further - for example to access a low building - it is possible to reduce the machine’s height to just 3.45m by removing tine arms.

FastBale wins LAMMA Show innovation awardOur innovative new FastBale non-stop round baler/wrapper combination won a LAMMA Show innovation award for the best new product or innovation in the technological category.

“Winning this prestigious innovation award gives tremendous recognition for all the team behind the development of FastBale,” says Vicon sales manager David Furber (left).

“By continuing to develop round baler innovations, this reinforces our commitment to the market.”

With no need to stop baling while net wrap and bale transfer take place, productivity and efficiency gains equate to a time saving of around 15 seconds per bale. Wear and tear on tractor drivelines, and operator fatigue are also reduced. FastBale will be available in limited numbers for the 2016 season.

As the table is tipped, a pressurised gas

accumulator closes the knife, cutting the film

and holding it. When the wrapping process

starts again, the cutting system opens

progressively within two revolutions of the

wrapping table, ready to receive film as the

wrapping process is completed.

An automatic locking device prevents the

table rotating when tipped, holding it in

position and the BW range can either be

joystick or computer controlled - the latter

offering an automated loading and wrapping

sequence which can be played out in full or

paused and restarted.

Vicon wrappers can now be equipped with

twin film - a double film dispenser system that

offers a clear performance advantage, when

fitted to the BW2600C compared to single

film systems.

Available on computer controlled models,

the twin film system results in this new model

having an output potential that is much more

comparable with more expensive twin satellite

wrappers.

With the wrapping process being computer

controlled, these two versions are also said to

reduce stress on the operator.

A new hydraulic film cut and hold mechanism

has also been developed for all Vicon

wrappers. Replacing the spring-operated

version, this new mechanism is triggered by

a cam as the wrapping table tips to unload.

Cam positioning can be adjusted to alter the

timing of the cutting action.

Bale wrapper developments

The Vicon Bale Challenge returns to fields in 2016 to give farmers and contractors the opportunity to compare our latest fixed and variable chamber round balers to their own baler.

See how much investment has been made in product developments and upgrades, to deliver the best bale quality in the business. It is a no strings, no obligation demonstration to try out the very latest Vicon RF and RV round balers alongside your existing baler.

In addition, the revolutionary new FastBale non-stop baler wrapper will also be taking part in the Bale Challenge.

Anyone interested in taking the Vicon Bale Challenge should contact their Vicon dealer to book a demonstration or return the prepaid reply card.

2016

Come and join us for a brew at these showsScotgrass 2016 - 18th May Crichton Royal, Dumfries

Cereals 2016 - 15th & 16th June Chrishall Grange, Duxford, Cambs

Royal Highland Show - 23rd to 26th June Ingliston, Edinburgh

Royal Welsh Show - 18th to 21st July Builth Wells

Tillage Live - 14th September Monks Kirby, Rugby, Warwickshire

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Adding a self-propelled sprayer to the Vicon sprayer range provides a complete offering of crop spraying solutions for UK farmers and contractors.iXdrive represents the very latest in Vicon spraying technology, and it is produced at our Nieuw-Vennep crop care factory in the Netherlands.

Up front, operators get the very latest in comfort and refinement from a Vista cab. The cab sits out front, offering a commanding view of the crop, and

helping to distribute weight as evenly as possible.

Component layout plays a part in weight distribution. The 240hp Perkins engine and Sauer hydrostatic driveline are located above the front axle; the spray tank is centrally located and the boom sits over the rear.

Weight distribution is impressive - whether fully laden or empty, the iXdrive will be hard to beat. When fully laden, weight distribution is 50:50, changing to 51:49 when empty.

Even weight loading also translates into a smooth ride and a more stable

iXdrive tops offVicon sprayer range

iM Tellus touchscreen control panel handles spraying functions.

platform on which a boom can be mounted. Which enhances boom stability too.

Poclain wheel motors offer two ranges - 0-20kph for field work and 0-40kph for transport. Positive traction control is cleverly achieved using two pumps that supply the wheel motors in sequence, which has the effect of driving the two axles individually. And buyers can choose to have both axles equipped with disc brakes, for added security.

A solid axle sits up front, with a pair of hydraulic rams that are damped by

Control panel and induction hopper simplify filling.

gas-filled accumulators. It is a system that accounts for varying loads.

At the rear, an innovative triangulated trailing arm design is used for the rear axle. It uses a ball-type pivot as its most forward point, under the middle of the chassis. While its primary function is to allow the axle to oscillate, its geometry also contributes to improving weight distribution.

Rear axle suspension like that up front, is provided by a pair of hydraulic rams, damped by gas-filled accumulators.

Both axles have the ability to be telescoped in/out, to meet different track widths. Different ground clearance options are also available.

When it comes to spraying equipment, iXdrive is bristling with tech, to make the most of efficiency from its 4000, 5000 or 6000 litre spray tanks.

Boom options extend from 24-30m aluminium versions and 27-40m steel. All are variable geometry, allowing left- and right-hand sides to be raised and lowered independently.

Norac auto boom height control is available, and integrated into the iM Tellus, touchscreen control system. GPS auto switching, for up to 15 boom sections, is also available, with nozzle switching handled by pneumatic valves, with spray lines fed from both ends, to maintain a constant pressure across the boom lines. This also results in a true prime and purge system.

Internal cleaning is managed by the iXclean Pro system, - a one-button, fully automatic, high-speed, high efficiency washing programme that leaves the inside of the sprayer so

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A new series of mounted sprayer joins the Vicon range, called iXter A.

It meets customer requirements for a smaller, lighter model but still maintains professional high-end features, including the FMC (Flow Mate Control) spray computer.

New features introduced with the iXter A include its low weight but high strength, and a centre of gravity that is much closer to the tractor, when compared to the iXter B.

These features offer increased stability and better weight distribution, and

make the iXter A much more suitable for use with smaller, lighter tractors.

Tank capacities are 800, 1000 and 1200 litres, and are available with a choice of two boom types. The first is the proven HOSA aluminium boom with its sophisticated Z-folding mechanism.

The second boom is an all-new generation of HC vertical folding steel boom. Manufactured from Domex steel, this latest boom has gained strength and also lost weight, thanks to the advanced metallurgy found in Domex steel.

The HOSA boom is available with a 15m working width, while the new HC boom is available in 18, 20m and 21m working widths.

New mounted sprayer offers more choice

iXter A brings improved weight distribution and a new generation of vertical folding boom.

With the emphasis on more output and greater reliability, we’ve announced a new model of fixed chamber baler for the 2016 season.Called the RF4325, the baler incorporates a host of improved features over the RF3325 it replaces, including a new drop floor blockage clearance system, plus enhanced electronic control for easy selection and adjustment of bale density.

In addition, the new RF4325 gets the innovative PowerBind net wrap system as introduced on the variable chamber RV baler range.

A parallelogram drop floor mechanism is integrated into the RF4325. Controlled from the cab, this simple but effective linkage has been developed to create a greater clearance under the intake rotor, than the back edge of the drop floor. This wider opening - at the point where a blockage is more likely to occur - affords faster and easier clearance, enabling baling to resume at the earliest convenience.

Revised electronics now bring three pre-configured bale densities that are accessed and activated from the control box. Separate programs for straw, hay or silage - each linked to a specific net wrap cycle - make changing between different crop types much easier. It also reduces the risk of error.

Two versions of the RF4325 are available - PowerFeed, and SuperCut, with the latter including a 14-knife crop chopping system.

PowerBind net injectionPowerBind is the very latest net wrap system found on Vicon fixed and variable chamber balers - it uses fewer components than other net systems and eliminates the need for feed-in rollers.

PowerBind has been cleverly engineered to avoid interference from external factors such as wind and crop. Net is injected directly into the bale chamber using the PowerBind arm, which maintains net tension at all times and delivers repeatable accuracy with consistent net injection.

Updates to fixed chamber balers

1. Two-year ExtraCare warranty

2. Twin-cam, five-tine bar pickup

3. Three pre-configured bale densities

4. Drop floor blockage clearance system

5. Perfect bale shape

6. 14-knife SuperCut

7. Roller crop press

8. Pre-configured bale densities

9. Vicon reputation

10. Customer service and support

PowerBind system injects net directly into the bale chamber.

RF4325 includes a new drop floor blockage clearance system, plus

enhanced electronic control for easy selection and adjustment of bale density.

In operation, when the bale is 90 per cent complete, the PowerBind arm moves forward, in readiness to inject net. This functionality adds to reliability and productivity, simply by eliminating time that the bale might need to pick up the net.

It also leads to one of the fastest net wrap processes available, which means less time spent tying and more time spent baling. PowerBind also offers an extremely low loading height, simplifying the effort required to change rolls.

10 reasons to buy a Vicon baler

• Tank sizes: 4000, 5000 & 6000 litres

• Spray pack: Twin 250 lit/min Altek pumps, iXflow recirculation, iXclean rinsing

• Booms: 24-30m aluminium; 27-40m steel

• 240hp EU Stage IV compliant, Perkins six cylinder

• Transmission: Twin range hydrostatic: 0-20kph, 0-40kph

• Steering: 3-mode (crab, front-wheel, all-wheel)

• Suspension: Hydro-pneumatic

• Braking: Optional disc brakes

• Track width: 1.8-2.25m, 2.25-2.95m

iXdrive Data

Vista cab offers high levels of operator comfort and great visibility.

clean that residual concentration levels are less than 1%.

It also uses the minimum amount of clean water too, reducing its impact on the environment.

Voice controlA new software application could soon find its way onto the Vicon iX-drive, called IsoMatch Voice Control.

For inclusion in a suite of isobus functions, Voice Control offers extra safety and convenience from using voice commands configured on a smart phone, and connected to the machine via Bluetooth. Functions are then operated, simply by speaking into the phone or headset.

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“Our silage customers prefer us to wrap at the stack, so we gear our productivity accordingly, to deliver the best quality baled forage.”

With power coming from a New Holland T7.200, he says that spot work rates up to 114 bales/hour have been seen. Although raking up helps to deliver such impressive output potential.

“A good swath makes all the difference to productivity, but whatever we put in front of the RV5200, it just keeps churning out fantastic bales,” he says. “Density and shape are unlike anything else.”

“Bales are square shouldered, easy to handle, easy to wrap and a joy to stack,” he says.

“And being isobus, the baler plugs into our New Holland and uses the Intelliview monitor as its control screen,” he says. “Going baling couldn’t be any more enjoyable.”

WD Douthwaite and PartnersReturning to the family farm after finishing at Bishop Burton College three years ago, James Douthwaite has established a contracting operation to supplement the family farming business.

It is a move that has helped to justify larger and more efficient kit, bringing additional

RWS Contracting North Yorkshire contractor Richard Strickland operates two RV5216 balers from his base at Hutton-le-Hole, to handle a mostly grass silage workload alongside a forage wagon.

He changes one baler each season, effectively keeping the RV balers until two years of age and making the most of the Vicon ExtraCare two-year warranty package. It is a replacement policy that also enables the bulk of the workload to be handled by the newer machine.

Bale counts are an impressive 25-30,000 over a two-year period.

“We’ve too much work for one baler, but not quite enough for two,” he says. “So the older baler manages the peak workloads through the second season,” he explains.

When it comes to grass, he says the approach is ‘to bale what we can wrap, and not chase ultimate output’.

“We do have the capacity to make 1,000 bales/day with one baler,” he says. “And if we’re really struggling, we’ll bring baler number two into play. In straw, the performance is awesome.”

Variable chamber 5200-series deliver the goods

benefits to WD Douthwaite and Partners at High Snape Farm, Kirkby Overblow near Harrogate.

Having pushed the bale count up to 28,000 bales on the farm’s Vicon RV4216 in just three seasons, James has traded-up to an RV5216 for the 2016 season. The new model also brings a 14-knife SuperCut chopping system too, which he expects to bring added performance for grass customers.

“We tried quite a few other balers before deciding to stay with Vicon - and it was a decision that was influenced by our customers,” he says. “We used all the demo balers with different customers, and their preference was for the density and shape of the Vicon baler.”

“You’ve only got to look at bales made during Grassland demonstrations - a Vicon baler makes the best bales by far.”

“And that’s important because I want to do the best job I can, for all my customers,” he adds. “The RV baler is also the quickest to apply net, and that’s a huge benefit when you consider the time you lose through the day when putting on net.”

Pulled by a Fendt 724, James Douthwaite says baler output of the RV4216 was impressive. And with isobus on the previous baler, the plug and play convenience put the baler’s control screen on the Fendt 10.4in terminal.

“Bale density was very easy to adjust on-the-move, so you do make use of it as crops do vary quite a bit,” he adds. “I have broke the 1,000 bale barrier, but in a very long day, and I’ve every confidence that my new RV5216 will be every bit as productive.”

MJ and PJ CliftGloucestershire farmer and contractor Mike Clift bought a Vicon RV5216 for the 2015 season, to replace a five-year-old round baler, and in doing so, took his first steps into crop chopping.

Bought following a visit to local dealer P and D Engineering’s open day, at Tewkesbury, in the spring of 2015, he says the baler’s performance has been fantastic.

“I do like the way the Vicon baler makes its bales,” he says. “They hold their shape, are nice and tight too, and with crop chopping, silage bales are proving easy to feed for my customers.”

“We choose to run with only 12 of the 14 knives. By taking the outer knives away, the edges of the bales stay in far better shape.”

“I thought the chopper would need more power, but this baler is easier to drive than my last one,” he adds. “My 140hp Claas Ares 696RZ handles it easily.”

Based at Ash Farm, Frogmarsh, Elderfield, MJ and PJ Clift has been round baling for over 30 years. His current baling workload comprises 12-15,000 bales/year, made up of conventional, large square and round bales.

“The split between round and square bales does vary according to weather conditions and forage requirements,” he says. “We made just over 6,000 round bales in 2015 with our Vicon baler.”

And there is a requirement for round bale straw, too.

“Our best day last summer was 840 straw bales following a 30ft combine,” he says. “I didn’t have to go far to make a bale.”

“The drop floor is very reassuring,” he adds. “There’s peace of mind knowing that if you do push too hard, it’s very easy to unblock and carry on baling. It takes seconds to resolve.”

He says changing rolls of net is also easy and convenient, as is adjusting bale density from the Focus II in-cab controller.

“PowerBind ties bales very quickly, and it is straightforward to swap rolls of net.”

“And what I have found, is that as the season has gone on, I went from producing great bales to making fantastic bales,” he says. “Any fears of bales collapsing or losing shape have been completely dismissed.”

Having relied on a contractor to wrap silage bales, John Stonehouse of May Farm, Staxton near Scarborough, was forced to take control of the task and invested in a Vicon BW2100 from local dealer Franks Curtis.

Mr Stonehouse says that bales wrapped in the field by his contractor were proving far too attractive to local birds - and crows were the biggest culprits.

“We put a lot of effort into making high quality round bale silage for our 80 suckler cows and followers,” he says. “And where the contractor would bale and wrap in-field, we’ve had to change the process and now wrap at the stack.”

At the 150ha farm, EM and BJ Stonehouse makes around 600 bales each year, to feed a total of around 200-head of cattle over winter.

“We just couldn’t afford to lose any bales or suffer deterioration of silage quality from damaged film,” he says. “By wrapping at the yard, bales could

“My RV5200 keeps churning out fantastic bales,” says Richard Strickland.

“A Vicon baler makes the best bales by far,” says James Douthwaite.

“As the season progressed, I went from producing great bales to making fantastic bales,” says

contractor Mike Clift.

BW2100 seals in quality for Scarborough farmer

easily be stacked and immediately be far better protected.”

“With constant activity going on around the yard, we’ve noticed there was much less risk of attack from crows,” he says.

With a remote control for the computer-controlled wrapper kept in the cab of his telehandler, John Stonehouse runs the wrapping operation single-handedly at May Farm.

Once a bale is wrapped and tipped off the turntable, he can load the next bale and start the wrapping process, before moving the previously wrapped bale to the stack.

“We apply six layers, and the wrapper does a great job of stretching film and sealing in the goodness,” says John. “It’s a very stable machine, with good output from the turntable - and I’m not waiting for the wrapper to finish.”

“By the time I’ve stacked a wrapped bale and picked the next bale off the trailer, the wrapper is ready to be reloaded.”

John Stonehouse says his BW2100 does a great job of stretching film and sealing in the goodness.

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2016 is a significant milestone for Vicon mowers - it represents 40 years of the triangular disc carrying three blades.Developed in 1976, this was part of an all-new mowing system that would eventually become its trademark, and is now a proven feature of all new Vicon mowers.

It is a mechanism that uses a flat, wedge-shaped cutterbar carrying triangular discs, each fitted with three blades. Discs rotate in pairs, in opposite directions, helping to transport the mown crop through to the rear of the machine.

There are many advantages to the Vicon three-blade system.

Having a third blade - compared to most traditional twin-blade systems - means blades are constantly in work. This constant loading means smoother use of tractor power.

There is also a third less load on each blade, which helps blades to stay sharper, for longer.

And with each steel blade having a precise angle to help lift the mown crop upwards, this makes the most of air flow and mechanical action to ease crop into a conditioner or spreading hood.

Three blades also provide wider overlap too, meaning most of the cutting is done across the leading edge of the cutterbar. A wide overlap also works better in wetter conditions - it resists striping and creates a flatter, even stubble height, contributing to quicker regrowth.

Vicontact is published by Kverneland Group UK Limited. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system or transmitted in any form or mean electronic, photographic, recording or othewise, without prior permision of the publisher.

www.vicon.eu/uk

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40 years of three-bladed discs

David Pineo is pleased with the quality of forage produced at Laurel Farm.

Triangular blades with three discs are a feature of all Vicon mowers.

Are you making the most of mower technology? Somerset dairy farmer David Pineo is. From Laurel Farm, Edingworth, near Weston-super-Mare, JD and YM Pineo use a front-mounted Extra 632FT in combination with an Extra 632 Pro.

The resulting 6m set-up makes the most of available drying time, and gives the farm the mowing output it needs.

“We cut around 800 acres each year, mostly for clamp and bale silage for our 230-cow herd,” explains David Pineo. “But we also mow 200 acres on contract.”

“I wanted to cut quickly and efficiently, so we could make the most of drying times, and that’s exactly what we do.”

Now heading towards its fourth season, he says the Vicon mowers leave a great finish, which encourages grass regrowth.

“I can’t fault the job that it does,” he says. “And on my Deutz 6.180, it makes a compact outfit that is easy to move around.”

Did you know?Vicon mower beds do not use left- or right-handed discs. Discs are identical, and interchangeable.

They also have driveline protection using a key, and this saves damaging the mower bed should a hidden obstacle be found while mowing….

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